Giroud scored the opening goal and set up another as Didier Deschamps' men ran riot against the Swiss. The margin of victory would have been even greater had Karim Benzema not missed a penalty and had a late strike ruled out by the final whistle.

France have all but secured their passage to the round of 16 with one game left - a situation in stark contrast to four years ago in South Africa, when Les Bleus crashed out at the group stage amid acrimony and disgrace.

And despite playing second fiddle to Benzema for much of France's first two matches, Giroud insists the whole squad are enjoying their experience in Group E so far.

"I thought of all my friends and my family when I scored," he told TF1 after the match.

"We are living an exceptional adventure and it shows on the field. We are very happy with the work that we did. Even though we conceded the two goals, the victory is very beautiful."

Coach Deschamps was left similarly euphoric by the result, though he was at pains to warn his players to take their final group clash with Ecuador at the Maracana seriously.

"Winning 5-2 is a great night for us and the two goals conceded does not spoil the fun," he added.

"We will wait for the next game. We have a good goal difference. We prepared for these two games and we were effective. But this is only the first part of the competition. We must finish the job against Ecuador."